Former St Kevin’s College teacher Simon Parris fights sacking

A teacher who hugged students and downloaded hardcore pornography is fighting his sacking from St Kevin’s College.

A hearing is under way for a teacher who was sacked from St Kevin’s College. Picture: Erik Anderson

A hearing is under way involving former St Kevin’s maths teacher Simon Parris, who is appealing his sacking by the elite Toorak College.

The Fair Work Commission previously ruled there were valid reasons for the dismissal of Mr Parris, who admitted to initiating hugs with students, sending a tweet about wet dreams and storing “hardcore gay pornography” on his school computer.

The school’s handling of the case came into the spotlight following evidence former principal Stephen Russell provided Mr Parris with a “generally positive” character reference even after his sexual misconduct came to light.

Mr Parris’ Barrister Jamie Darams said there were findings of fact that were wrong in relation to Mr Parris’ conduct on June 14, 2019, when he was found to have engaged a student in a “shoulder tapping half hug”.

He argued that Mr Parris was given a warning for the June 14 actions at the time, and so the incident should not then subsequently be used as the basis for dismissal at a later date.

“The fact that the employer didn’t terminate for the conduct is a significant consideration that should be taken into account,” Mr Darams said.

Mr Parris was warned after the incident in October and met a number of conditions on his employment, he said.

“The applicant complied with all the directions,” Mr Darams said.

“He was also given a favourable reference in relation to his teaching in general” in December 2019.

The school has said it will continue to fight Mr Parris’ reinstatement. One source said parents would “blockade his entry to the school” if the appeal was successful.

The appeal hearing is continuing.